Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NRSV)

A regular part of our vegetable gardening is to ensure that the tall pea plants are entwined through the wire mesh trellis for support. I poke the curly tendrils through the wire until they cling and grip, knowing that in time as they grow they become firmly attached and support the whole plant. Often tendrils from the outer plants twine around stronger plants that are closer to the trellis and stabilized by the strength of the mesh.

Pea plants have hollow stems that are easily bent and broken by strong winds or by being knocked over. The trellis is absolutely essential; otherwise the plants would be constantly fractured and the nutrients could not reach the flowers. Nor would we ever harvest pea pods!

The fragile pea plant reminds me to cling to the support we find in God's word and to learn from those with strong faith. In a world where the winds of troubles and sorrows threaten our faith, we can reach out with tendrils of prayer. God's word provides us with support and strength to withstand trials, to grow in our faith, and to produce a harvest.

Ann Sloane (New South Wales, Australia)

Prayer Focus

Gardeners and producers of food